Identity / Self concept

A number of movies include gifted and talented characters, and depict a variety of characteristics related to exceptional people that are positive – but these qualities also can generate not so positive reactions from others, such as “You think you’re so smart,” or, “You’re too verbal… too bossy… too nerdy… too sensitive.” And, of course, we may still […]

Once gifted, always gifted? The SENG [Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted] newsletter of April 11, 2007 included this Q&A: Q: If I was gifted as a child, am I still gifted now?… If I didn’t use my ‘giftedness’, is it gone? SENG staff: Perhaps. Probably the more important consideration is whether you are still […]

By Emilie Wapnick The other day, someone mentioned that throughout their life, they’ve used their multipotentialite pursuits as a way of growing their confidence. In other words, by diving into new things and acquiring new skills, they’ve learned to believe in themselves more as a person. I’ve never thought about it that way, but it […]

Being exceptionally creative, smart, sensitive and intense can be challenging Elaine Aron, PhD comments on some of the consequences of being very sensitive as a child: “…family and school problems, childhood illnesses, and the like all affected you more than others. Furthermore, you were different from other kids and almost surely suffered for that.” One […]

Neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and Asperger’s Syndrome, often considered a mild form of autism, can be challenging for many children and adults, and result in treatment for symptoms such as social impairment, isolation, and “eccentric behavior.” Can autism and Asperger’s also be part of what makes some people unusually creative? Authentic passions Writer Alexa Tsoulis-Reay […]